Student Testimonials
Ariel Kraten
Nonprofit/NGO Leadership Program
Lake Oswego, Oregon
RPCV Suriname, 2004-06
This program is intense, individualized, and exciting. The small class size allowed us to really get to know each other and share our experiences, and I felt that the faculty was genuinely committed to us as individuals and as a class. Faculty were always interested in our feedback and responsive to our requests. A one-year program is challenging, but I have felt a tremendous amount of support along the way. Despite the short time-frame, I have been able to design a totally unique concentration building on three different departments. The core classes are giving me the tools I need to be a competent director of an organization, an effective communicator, and a successful leader. The clear emphasis on leadership rather than management creates an amazing atmosphere where I have felt like I had the freedom to shape my own experience.
Rajiv Lajmi
Nonprofit/NGO Leadership Program
Mumbai, India
I was looking to make a mid-career switch from management consulting to the non-profit world. My ideal academic program would help me strengthen my leadership skills while providing me a foundation in social development. Applying to Penn's NPL program, therefore, was a no-brainer. The flexible and dynamic nature of the program has provided me access to world-class faculty members, as well as fascinating domestic and international development initiatives. The mentorship program has exposed me to the current mission-critical issues facing non-profit leaders, and allowed me to explore theoretical, innovative and proven approaches to tackle these issues. All in all, Penn and the NPL program have given me the solid grounding I need to enter the non-profit world.
Yomaira G. Tamayo
Nonprofit/NGO Leadership Program
Brooklyn, New York
This is not a management program. The NPL program is about being a leader not a CEO. The beauty of this program is that it's still in the process of growing and expanding. Students can help design the program while simultaneously participating in it. What I mean is, you can tailor the courses and projects to your individual interests. You can make it as much about corporate giving, organizational thought, grassroots efforts or global impact—but, you have to take the initiative. The non-profit sector is changing. It is up to us to decide what this sector will look like. This program at Penn is a vehicle to help students do this.